Australia powers into tri-series final

However, West Indies’ efforts to restrict Australia were curtailed by Jason Holder, the skipper, being unable to bowl after he came off the field with hamstring issues.

Maxwell, who was struggling for form in the early games in this series and was dropped for Travis Head, repaid the selectors’ faith and Marsh acknowledged the effort of his team-mate.

“I just told him (Maxwell) when he came out, give yourself a few balls and go for it mate,” said Marsh. “But yeah, I was literally speechless watching an innings like that from the other end. Obviously he has had a few little doubts and hasn’t been in the greatest of form. An innings like that shows why he on his best days is one of the first names on our team, because he can win us games in a few overs.”

With the host faced with a must-win situation to get into the final, Phil Simmons felt that for the team to be in that position is very positive.

“It’s been great for me, the work the guys have put in during the last five to six weeks has been excellent,” said Simmons, the West Indian coach.

He continued: “So for us to be in a competition with the No. 1 and No, 3-ranked ODI teams and still be in with a chance of qualifying for the final going into our last game is what we spoke about before the tournament.

“We need to make sure we are winning games against these top teams in order to move up the table. A few players have to still come to the party but almost everyone has put their hand up so far this series and it’s great to see.”

For fullscorecard of the match, click here.